Rwandan President Paul Kagame is contemplating the introduction of a tax on church collections, a move he believes could curb what he describes as exploitative practices by certain religious institutions. This Rwanda Tax on Church is part of a broader effort by the Rwandan government to enhance financial transparency and accountability within religious organizations.
Kagame voiced his concerns during a recent national leadership retreat, where he criticized the growing influence and financial power of some churches. He argued that these institutions have deviated from their spiritual missions and are increasingly focused on accumulating wealth, often at the expense of their congregants.
In his first address after being sworn in earlier this week, President Kagame reiterated his concerns about the unchecked accumulation of wealth by certain churches. He suggested that some religious leaders are exploiting vulnerable members of society. “These unscrupulous people who use religion and churches to manipulate and fleece people of their money and other things,” Kagame stated. “It will force us to introduce a tax, so churches pay tax on the money they get from people.”
Rwanda, a predominantly Christian nation, has witnessed a significant rise in the number of churches over the past two decades, particularly among Pentecostal and Evangelical movements. These churches often rely heavily on tithes and offerings from their congregants, many of whom are drawn in by the prosperity gospel doctrine, which tends to attract poorer individuals. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency in how these funds are used, with allegations of some church leaders amassing personal wealth at the expense of their followers.
Kagame expressed alarm over the dangers posed by certain religious leaders, noting instances where cult leaders have led their followers to harm through manipulation and brainwashing. “We have seen cases of these cult leaders even leading people to their deaths, through manipulation and brainwashing them to starve to death and do all sorts of other things; it has happened in other countries,” he warned.
Following the swearing-in ceremony of re-appointed Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente and new members of parliament, Kagame announced his intention to take further action against rogue preachers and their churches. “If truth is to be told, these mushrooming churches are just there to squeeze even the last penny from poor Rwandans, as those who own them enrich themselves,” he said.
The proliferation of Pentecostal churches in Rwanda has become a significant issue, with authorities recently announcing the closure of approximately 8,000 churches for operating illegally and failing to meet infrastructural standards.
The challenge of regulating preachers is not unique to Rwanda. Last week, Uganda announced plans to release a white paper on regulating worship following reports of extortion by religious leaders. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the judiciary is handling the case of Paul Mackenzie and his followers, who are accused of manipulating worshippers into engaging in deadly fasting.
Kagame’s proposal comes as the Rwandan government seeks to diversify its revenue streams amid rising public expenditures. Despite Rwanda’s strong economic growth in recent years, the government faces challenges in funding its ambitious development agenda. A tax on church collections could provide a new source of revenue, though it remains to be seen whether the move would be politically viable.
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